Unmasking the Myths: Composite Toe Boots Exposed (2024)

FAQs

What can happen if the toes of steel capped boots are worn or exposed? ›

If the toe material in a boot has worn away and left the steel toecap exposed, the wearer is at risk if a spark lands on it, because metal conducts electricity, which can pose a serious electrocution risk.

Composite toe boots meet OSHA and ASTM safety requirements. They are made of non-metallic fibers like Kevlar® and do not conduct electricity. Composite toe boots are preferred by engineers, electricians and some independent contractors.

Composite toe boots are the better choice for outdoor weather since they are less affected by ambient temperature than steel toe boots. While they are up to safety standards, composite toe boots do not withstand the same level of impact as a steel toe boot.

In some cases, steel toes can be removed. Composite toes cannot. On a full rebuild, complete removal is doable.

The employer can require safety-toe footwear to be worn at all times if the employer has conducted a workplace hazard assessment and concluded that hazards are present, or are likely to be present that would require the employee to wear safety-toe footwear while on the job site.

As long as the boots don't have a steel shank, composite toe boots make passing through secure job sites and metal detectors easier. The downside of composite toe boots is that they are not typically as impact resistant as metal options, Thorogood points out.

Employers are not required to pay for non-specialty safety toe protective footwear, including steel toe shoes and logger boots [29 CFR 1910.266(d)(1)(v)]. Employers are required though to pay for non-standard “specialty” items (e.g. non-skid shoes for floor strippers).

Composite materials are lighter than steel and do not conduct heat or electricity. This makes them a good choice for workers who need to wear boots in hot weather or who work around sources of electricity. Composite toe boots are also less likely to set off metal detectors.

Typically, occupations that lean towards composite toe boots include electricians, engineers, plumbers, welders, architects, and project managers. These occupations require long days on your feet, but you're usually not working with very heavy machinery day in and day out.

Composite Toe Caps

They are made of non-metallic materials, such as carbon fibre, fiberglass, plastic, or Kevlar. They offer comparable protection against impact and compression as steel and aluminium toe caps. Composite toe caps can withstand up to 75 pounds of force dropped from a height of up to 18 inches.

What are the pros and cons of composite toe? ›

COMPOSITE TOE WORK BOOTS

The Pros: They're good for extreme high or low temperatures because they won't heat up or cool down like a metal toe would. They're 30% lighter than steel toes. The Cons: They can't take as much impact or compression as a steel or alloy toe.

However, composite toe boots are typically more suitable for people who have to pass through metal detectors, such as nuclear workers, security personnel, and airport workers. This is because composite boots do not set off metal detectors like steel toe boots because they are non-metallic.

The answer depends on how it hurts. If a steel toe is rubbing your little or big toe it is probably because the shoe is either too short or too narrow. The best answer in that case is to get the correct size. But what if you can't return the shoe or boot and you want to make it feel better.

The steel cap can make the boots heavy and bothersome to wear for long periods. They can cause blisters or discomfort. The steel cap can set off metal detectors. Steel conducts temperatures, which can make wearing in the winter uncomfortable.

Because safety boots are made from solid, rigid materials that are meant to protect the feet from work-related injuries, it can severely restrict the natural movement of the joints in the feet. Over time, this can lead to stiffness and persistent discomfort and pain.

Steel toe boots are designed to protect your feet from job injuries, so they aren't inherently terrible for your feet. It only becomes harmful to your feet if you wear the incorrect size safety boots and wear them for an extended amount of time without resting your feet.

They can cause blisters or discomfort. The steel cap can set off metal detectors. Steel conducts temperatures, which can make wearing in the winter uncomfortable. Steel-toe may not be safe for use around electricity or with electric wires.

A safety toe boot that fits properly allows space between your toes and the toe cap. In fact, your big toe should be about halfway under, and your pinky toe should rest just behind the toe cap when standing.